Who would want to collide with him? Mobile, agile, hostile. And 6-5, 315 pounds.

Latham is representative of the changing face of Indiana University’s football defense.

“He’s shown as much improvement as anybody from the spring until now,” new coordinator Brian Knorr said.

Latham, a sophomore tackle, was an Indiana All-Star while at North Central but has set aside the hardcourt for hard hits. He plays in the middle of the Hoosiers’ new 3-4 defense, a change that has affected their outlook perhaps more than their alignment.

It has been suggested the scheme is more appropriate for Indiana’s personnel than a more conventional 4-3. Coach Kevin Wilson doesn’t necessarily concur but said the defense is “playing better than in my time here” and challenging a veteran offensive line in scrimmages.

He said he couldn’t call it a great defense “until you back it up on the field for several weeks.”

With the Hoosiers’ failures on defense stretching back decades — including last-place Big Ten rankings in each of the past three years — no one is looking for great. After finishing 123rd out of 125 major college teams in total defense a year ago, anything would be an improvement.

“I feel like we’re going to be something to reckon with this year,” Latham said.

Quarterback Nate Sudfeld has acknowledged the defense has disrupted Indiana’s No. 1 offense. But until the Aug. 30 opener against Indiana State, there is no measurable evidence of change.

More often, there is recitation of numbers describing just how bad Indiana’s defense was. For instance, the Hoosiers’ average of 560.2 yards allowed in conference games was worst in Big Ten history.

“You don’t want to see that stuff,” said Nick Mangieri, a junior end-turned-linebacker. “It definitely motivates you when you see it.

“It’s last year now. Not really thinking about that any more. Kind of focused on the future and excited for what we can do this year.”

The collection of Latham, Robby Richardson (6-3, 286), Adarius Rayner (6-2, 307), Ralph Green III (6-5, 260) and Nate Hoff (6-2, 305) give the Hoosiers size, athleticism and depth on the line that they lacked during Wilson’s first three seasons here. They are “starting to be monsters,” according to senior cornerback Tim Bennett.

Players said they are more comfortable in the 3-4 now than during spring practice. Wilson said the defense isn’t a radical departure because Indiana will continue to deploy four rushers; it’s just that one will be standing instead of in a three-point stance.

Sophomore safety Antonio Allen missed much of the spring while recovering from injury but has made “impactful plays out there already,” Knorr said. The defensive coordinator said some players might yet change positions because coaches are still evaluating the roster, especially freshmen who could earn their way into the two-deep lineup.

Meanwhile, seniors are practicing with a “sense of urgency,” Knorr said. That’s in keeping with what Bennett said was the defense’s motto: No excuses.

“We’ll see what’s going on when the games start,” Latham said. “That’s what it’s all about.”